Issue 136

December 2015

Win the striking exchange once and for all by finishing with a devastating knee

Rafael Cordeiro

Head coach at Kings MMA in Huntington Beach, California, teaches you masterful Muay Thai with Fernando Bettega

1 - Fernando throws a jab at Rafael while he moves his head from the centerline to avoid Rafael’s counter jab.

2 - Fernando dodges Rafael’s follow-up right hook by rolling under it and to the left.

3 - As Fernando rolls, he fires back with his own right hook to Rafael’s head.

4 - Now standing, Fernando continues his combination with a left hook to Rafael’s head.

5 - Disguised as a cross, Fernando throws his right hand forward and grabs the back of Rafael’s neck.

6 - Fernando pulls down on Rafael’s neck and throws a right knee to his face.

TOP TIPS

STUDENT

When throwing a punch, always keep your other hand on your chin to block a potential counter – like Rafael in step 3.

KRU

Keep your toes pointed back when you throw a knee so you can escape more easily if your opponent catches your leg.

MASTER

Simulate knee strikes by hitting your opponent with your inner thigh during light sparring. This will make you familiar with throwing knees and reduce the risk of causing an injury.

IN ACTION

Frank Mir KO’d Mirko Cro Cop at UFC 119 by pulling his head down after throwing an overhand right - though his arm went around the Croatian’s head, not across it.